Duration
8 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Madrid
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Scenery: Plains in Castile, spectacular mountain scenery while crossing the Cantabrian Range.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Madrid (time may vary slightly depending on the departure points). We´ll travel through Castile and León, passing through the Sierra de Guadarrama and across the plains of Castile.
10:45 a.m. – Arrival in Tordesillas, a small town where the 15th-century treaty that divided America between Spain and Portugal was signed. You´ll have time for a coffee at its Plaza Mayor.
11:45 a.m. – Departure from Tordesillas.
01:30 p.m. – León. Time for lunch and a walk around this historic capital, located on the Way of St. James. Its Gothic cathedral is notable for its magnificent stained-glass windows.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from León. We´ll enjoy beautiful scenery as we travel to Asturias.
06:30 p.m. – Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. We´ll include a one-and-a-half-hour city tour with a local guide, either in the evening or the next morning. During the tour, we´ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Congress Palace of Oviedo, the Campoamor Theatre, and Calle Rúa. We´ll spend the night in Oviedo, a city with a vibrant atmosphere.
Note: If there are fewer than five travelers from Madrid to León, this section might be carried out by high-speed train. In this case, you will be transferred to the railway station, but the trip will be without a guide (you will meet our main group from Galicia in León). Consequently, the stop in Tordesillas will be canceled.
Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, the sea, and quaint villages along the route.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.
09:45 a.m. - Covadonga - Time to visit the sanctuary nestled in the mountains, the historic site where the Reconquista of Spain began.
10:45 a.m. – Departure from Covadonga. As we travel, the lush green mountains blend with views of the sea, creating stunning scenery along the way.
12:30 p.m. - Santillana - Arrival in this charming medieval village, known for its stone streets, stately houses, and the Collegiate Church. Enjoy some time to explore and have lunch. Nearby, we’ll visit the Altamira Cave Museum, which features a replica of the amazing prehistoric rock paintings found there (tickets included).
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Santillana/Altamira.
04:30 p.m. - Santander - Arrival in the regional capital, a coastal city offering impressive views of both mountains and beaches. We´ll enjoy a panoramic tour of a little over 2 hours with a local guide to explore this elegant city and its beautiful bay and cliffs. The tour includes a stroll through the Pereda Gardens, a visit to the Centro Botín, and a stop at the Cathedral Square. We’ll then continue by bus to the Magdalena Peninsula, Sardinero Beach, the Gran Casino, Piquío Gardens, and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city and its dramatic cliffs. Arrival at the hotel is expected around 6:45 p.m.
Scenery: Enjoy magnificent sea views, beautiful mountains, and lush green landscapes throughout the journey.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Santander, beginning our scenic route towards the Basque Country.
10:30 a.m. – Bilbao. Arrival in the largest city of the Basque Country. We´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. After the tour, enjoy free time to indulge in authentic "pintxos."
02:15 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. Journey onwards to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines.
03:45 p.m. – Wine Culture Museum. Visit this fascinating museum and winery in the charming town of Briones. Explore the rich historical legacy and craftsmanship of winemaking, with admission and a wine tasting included.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Wine Culture Museum.
07:45 p.m. – Zaragoza. Arrival and time to settle into your accommodation. We recommend taking a stroll through the old town to soak in the city´s charm.
Scenery: Semi-desert landscapes in Aragon, and pleasant scenery in Catalonia.
After breakfast, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We´ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces. The tour will move on to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch and a walk.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Zaragoza.
05:00 p.m. – Poblet Abbey. Admission is included to this walled monastery, set amidst beautiful landscapes. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world.
06:15 p.m. - Departure from Poblet Abbey. We’ll cross rich agricultural regions of central Catalonia.
08:00 p.m. - Barcelona.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining center by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. You can explore this lively area and enjoy dinner.
08:30 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
Scenery: We’ll follow the Levantine coast, traveling between the Mediterranean Sea and landscapes dotted with orchards, citrus groves, and rice fields, before arriving in Valencia. The journey also takes us through the arid lands of the peninsular interior.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Barcelona. We’ll travel to the Valencian Community along the Levantine coast.
10:45 a.m. - Peniscola. Dominating the sea with its imposing walls, this historic center, with its steep streets, white houses, and medieval castle, tells tales of popes and pirates. Peniscola is one of the most beautiful villages on the Spanish Mediterranean. You’ll have time for a walk.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Peniscola.
02:30 p.m. - Valencia. Free time in the center for lunch. We suggest visiting the Lonja and the Cathedral. Why not try an authentic Valencian paella?
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Valencia. After passing through the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, we’ll continue towards Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid.
09:00 p.m. - Madrid.
Note: In some cases, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by train.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.